When considering your anti-ageing routine, it is important to bear in mind that what you eat can have a significant impact on the appearance of your skin. So if you’re eager to minimise wrinkles and fine lines, you may want to include some of these nutritious anti-ageing foods in your diet.
While no food can magically banish wrinkles, some foods contain nutrients which have great effects on the skin and can help to keep it looking a little healthier and more youthful. Here are a few of them.
Anti-Ageing Foods to Try
1) Oats
Oats contain a natural plant chemical which helps to prevent damage to skin cells. This can help to minimise the number of wrinkles and fine lines you develop.
2) Oranges and Other Sources of Vitamin C
Oranges, pink grapefruit, strawberries and any other foods packed with vitamin C are great for your skin. Vitamin C helps to make collagen, making your skin more supple. Fruits are also loaded with water so they hydrate your skin and your cells.
3) Brussels Sprouts
As well as containing vitamin C, Brussels sprouts contain lots of vitamin A and folate, which may help to protect your skin from complexion-ageing sun damage. Just remember you will still need to use sunscreen!
4) Tomatoes
Research indicates that regularly consuming lycopene – a carotenoid which gives tomatoes their red hue – is associated with smoother skin as you age. Some studies have also found evidence that lycopene may help to protect your skin from sunburn.
5) Avocados
Eating avocados will give you a good dose of healthy, monosaturated fat, which help your skin stay hydrated and absorb vitamins and nutrients more effectively. They also contain other nutrients which may prevent the negative effects of ageing. These include potassium, B vitamins and vitamins A, C, E and K.
6) Oily Fish
Your skin will also benefit from healthy fats if you eat plenty of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna, which are full of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help to preserve collagen, keeping your skin smoother and firmer. Also try other sources of omega 3 such as linseeds, walnuts and eggs.
7) Lean Beef
Lean beef is a great way to get high-quality protein which, like vitamin C, helps to build collagen.
8) Soy Foods
Tofu, soymilk and other soy products are rich in isoflavones, which researchers believe may help to prevent collagen breakdown, helping skin to maintain its elasticity.
The important thing to keep in mind is that your diet is an essential part of anti-ageing. Put simply, you should eat plenty of foods that are filled with beneficial vitamins and nutrients, like fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and fish.
The general rule when thinking about fruit and vegetables is – the more colourful, the better so fill your plate with fruit and vegetables that are deep or vibrant in colour. Try including these anti-oxidant rich food stuffs:
- watercress,
- red peppers,
- blueberries
- sweet potatoes
- spinach
- broccoli
- papaya
The nutrients found in these anti-ageing foods will help to keep you feeling younger on the inside as well as looking it on the outside! Keep in mind that other lifestyle aspects can affect how your skin ages too, so you need to make sure you exercise regularly, always wear sunscreen outdoors and try to maintain a healthy sleep routine.
Finally, don’t forget the humble glass of water to keep your skin hydrated at all times.
